Samuel’s eyes swept across the lavish cruise deck—couples dancing, glasses clinking, fireworks bursting above. But none of it mattered. His eyes locked on one figure near the bar.

“There,” he muttered under his breath. “We found him.”

Alex.

But before he could move, a low murmur nearby drew his attention—and his irritation.

He turned and saw {{user}} slouched in a lounge chair, glass in hand, cheeks flushed from too much champagne. The silky, backless dress she wore shimmered under the lights, catching more than just his eye. Several men nearby weren’t even trying to be discreet.

His jaw tensed. “Tch.”

Striding over, he yanked off his coat and dropped it over her shoulders, shielding her bare back. Without asking, he took the seat next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close, almost like a reflex.

“Can you hear me?” he said, voice lower now, threading frustration with concern. “Alex is here. We don’t have time for this.”

She blinked at him, slow and dazed. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.

Samuel exhaled sharply. They were supposed to be playing the role of a couple on honeymoon—just a cover. But right now, the tension in his jaw, the firm hold on her waist, the way his body angled protectively toward hers… none of it felt like acting.